2019 Honda Pilot Review – Video
The redesigned and refreshed 2019 Honda Pilot arrives in dealers today, bringing with it a long list of upgrades to Honda’s award-winning 8-seat SUV. The numerous changes include more aggressive exterior styling, an available new hands-free power tailgate, substantial powertrain refinements, major upgrades to available connected-car technology, an available new Display Audio touchscreen system with Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ integration, and a volume knob. The 2019 Pilot also adopts the Honda Sensing® suite of advanced driver-assistive and safety technology as standard in all trims. The 2019 Pilot LX with standard front-wheel drive carries a starting Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP1 ) of $31,450 (excluding $995 destination and handling).
While all Pilot trim levels benefit from refreshed styling, technical upgrades and new features—including newly standard Honda Sensing®—the popular EX trim extends its value story even further as it gains several premium features while maintaining the same price point as the outgoing EX w/ Honda Sensing® trim.
Combined, the upgrades to Pilot reinforce its capabilities while emphasizing the state-of-the-art technology and family-friendly character that has made it one of the most popular midsize 3-row SUVs. Pilot also remains one of the few models in its segment to offer 8 seats (7-seats with the optional second-row Captain’s Chairs), with three-person capacity in both the second and third rows, and with third row access made simple and easy by the available One-Touch Walk-In feature.
All 2019 Pilots feature more aggressive front and rear styling to compliment the Pilot’s robust off-road and all-weather driving capabilities, supported by Honda’s available intelligent Variable Torque Management system (i-VTM4) with true torque-vectoring. Standard on all AWD trims, i-VTM4 uses an electronically-controlled, hydraulically-actuated rear differential to apportion engine torque between the front and rear axles, and dynamically distribute torque between the left and right rear wheels. The benefits are superior all-weather handling, and neutral, accurate steering under power.
In addition, the 2019 Pilot’s 9-speed automatic transmission, available in Touring and Elite trims, gets new tuning for enhanced drivability and smoother shifts, while Pilot’s Idle Stop system now provides quicker restarts and more seamless operation.
Horsepower @ rpm (SAE net) 280 @ 6,000 rpm
Torque @ rpm (lb.-ft., SAE net) 262 lb.-ft. @ 4,700 rpm